Denver vs Phoenix Air Quality Comparison

Which city has cleaner air right now, from the latest EPA AirNow AQI

As of November 8, 2026, Denver, CO has cleaner air than Phoenix, AZ — AQI 39 (Good) vs 51 (Moderate), a gap of 12 AQI points in the latest EPA AirNow observations. Lower AQI means cleaner air. Denver's reading is driven by O3 and Phoenix's by PM2.5.

Denver, CO

Good

StateColorado
Dominant PollutantO3
CategoryGood
View full details →

Phoenix, AZ

Moderate

StateArizona
Dominant PollutantPM2.5
CategoryModerate
View full details →

Summary

Denver has 12 points better air quality

Denver has an AQI of 39 compared to 51

Our Pick

Extra Protection for Phoenix Homes

Air quality in Phoenix is moderate (AQI 51), with fine particles (PM2.5) the main concern. A True-HEPA purifier gives sensitive groups — kids, seniors and anyone with asthma or allergies — cleaner air indoors on days like today.

Large Room4.6(8,000+ ratings)
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
True HEPA + carbon, high CADR — clears PM2.5 from most rooms fast, our all-round pick
~$230
Check Price on Amazon →

Compare top-rated True-HEPA purifiers:

Large Room
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
HEPA + Carbon
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
~$2304.6
Check Price on Amazon →
Editor's Pick
Levoit Vital 200S
True HEPA
True HEPA · washable pre-filter · rooms up to 1,875 sq ft
~$2004.6
Check Price on Amazon →
Budget Pick
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
~$1004.7
Check Price on Amazon →

Prices are approximate and subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Colorado SpringsDenver vs AuroraDenver vs Fort Collins